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As a fourth year (of a five year program) I am struggling to maintain a balance of family and ambition. I want to have a great career but I also want to be present in my family. How do you choose between being present with your family or choosing an inevitably time consuming career?
I also have a niece who is still a toddler and I want to spend time with her but I know that I also need to be focused on work and my future. I think I am just having trouble balancing the two. I would really love some advice on this!
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Cortney’s Answer
Remember, family is everything, and time with your niece is precious. They grow up so fast! It's normal to struggle with balancing school, work, and family time. Don't feel guilty about spending time with loved ones; it's something you'll need to balance in your career too. While your career is important for financial stability, it's not always the most important thing.
A helpful tip is to make a schedule. Set aside a day each week to be with family and truly enjoy the moment. Also, make sure to take time for yourself, as self-care is essential. It's perfectly okay to have a lazy day to recharge your body and mind.
Setting boundaries is crucial, both for family and yourself. When you dedicate time to something or someone, be fully present and focused. If you plan to spend four hours on schoolwork, do the same for family, friends, and yourself.
Remember, burnout is real. Prioritize what's important in your life, but don't make it your only focus!
Make a plan!
Set aside time for yourself!
A helpful tip is to make a schedule. Set aside a day each week to be with family and truly enjoy the moment. Also, make sure to take time for yourself, as self-care is essential. It's perfectly okay to have a lazy day to recharge your body and mind.
Setting boundaries is crucial, both for family and yourself. When you dedicate time to something or someone, be fully present and focused. If you plan to spend four hours on schoolwork, do the same for family, friends, and yourself.
Remember, burnout is real. Prioritize what's important in your life, but don't make it your only focus!
Cortney recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Licenciada Natalia’s Answer
Hello! You’re one year away from achieving it! Be patient. Try to make the time you spend with your family a moment of full presence and attention. Enjoy the small moments you share together; it’s not necessary to choose one or the other. What’s important is that you avoid becoming obsessed with either one.
Larry Siegel
Government Liaison, Non-profit fundraising, Non-profit operation
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Larry’s Answer
Shanaira -- you have already won the battle of work/life balance by recognizing the conflict between your career and your family. Rather than be concerned about the conflict in your life between family and professional goals, be glad that you understand the value and rewards of family, as you pursue your profession.
As you proceed, continue to accept that you must give your best to your profession, but not at the expense of losing sight of your family. You will inevitably be confronted with compromises. Sometimes you will opt for profession, sometimes for family. You may look back and question your choices, but the important fact is that you forced yourself to make a choice.
Your family will understand and respect both what you are accomplishing professionally, as well as the attention you give them.
As you proceed, continue to accept that you must give your best to your profession, but not at the expense of losing sight of your family. You will inevitably be confronted with compromises. Sometimes you will opt for profession, sometimes for family. You may look back and question your choices, but the important fact is that you forced yourself to make a choice.
Your family will understand and respect both what you are accomplishing professionally, as well as the attention you give them.
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
You are worth the investment that you are making in yourself. You still have a lot of life ahead of you, and it is OK to prioritize school. Aim to be available for important things, but I hope your family would understand you potentially being an absent for others if it means working towards your desired life.